Over 1 year post op - Unhappy about results. Are they less than satisfactory? (photos)

Question

I am 14 months post full tummy tuck, muscle repair and liposuction of flanks. I am struggling with my final results. I still feel as though I have quite a bit of loose skin when I sit or flex my abdominal muscles. A deep vertical fold/crease forms between navel and vertical scar. Since procedure I also have a hard, swollen area on the right side of lower abdomen. I also feel as though the contour on my sides is not smooth after the lipo. This has been very disheartening.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

it's difficult to judge your results without seeing post operative photos.  At one year post op these are your final results.  It appears you may be able to improve your results either with a revision or further liposuction.  I encourage you to meet with your surgeon or another board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear khock513,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I’m sorry you are not satisfied with your result. However, it does appear that you are a good candidate for a revision. This would involve re-undermining the skin and trimming excess to provide a flatter and tighter contour. You would also benefit from revision liposuction of your flanks in order to smooth the contour, as well as to help accentuate your hips. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not have vertical tightening with your tuck, but did get nice results. You could consider minimally invasive skin tightening like Renuvion or Thermitight to help improve the rest. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

Cagil Meric Erenoglu, MD · Answer

Hi, khock513! Thank you for your question and photos.
Abdominal skin laxity occurs in two vectors: horizontal and vertical. In classical tummy-tuck, skin is removed in a horizontal fashion and sutured. In some patients there is also vertical skin excess. This skin is either removed with a vertical excision added to a horizontal excision (Fleur de Lis Operation) or this skin is left in place in those who don't want vertical scar. 
This vertical crease may happen in patients where the upper part of excision is wider than the lower part, and the skin is puckered while suturing. 
There is two options to solve your problem:First is to complete the tummy tuck with a vertical skin excision. Second is to extend your current scar to both sides and re-adapt the skin by pulling sidewards. 
I would recommend the first one if additional scars are ok for you. This will further narrow your waist and will give a better result.

Over 1 year post op - Unhappy about results. Are they less than satisfactory? (photos)

Answers (5)